The 9th issue of Marvel Mystery Comics is now considered as a coveted gem of Golden Age of Comic Books. This 68 page issue was published by Timely Comics, the predecessor of Modern day Marvel. In fact Timely Comics made their entry in comics publication with these series.

The issue featured a number of classic heroes and superheroes such as Human Torch, The Sub-Mariner, the Angel, The Masked Raider, Electro and Ferret. The issue had 7 stories and 1 filler among which the story of epic battle between the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner was the prime focus. The cover of the issue, already regarded as a classic artwork was inked by Alex Schomburg while Bill Everett was on the pencils. The cover had the second ever appearance of the Sub-Mariner and depicted the archetypal superhero battle.

This issue was published in July 1940. A number of renowned artists worked on the stories of the issue. The panel of scriptwriters includes Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, John Compton, Ray Gill, and Stockbridge Winslow. On inks there were Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, Paul Gustavson, Al Anders, Robert Hughes, Steve Dahlman, Irwin Hasen, Ben Thompson andLouis Glanzman. And the men with pencils were Bill Everett, Carl Burgos, Paul Gustavson, Al Anders, Robert Hughes, Steve Dahlman, Irwin Hase, Ben Thompson and Louis Glanzman. Joe Simon was the editor of the issue.

The comic book is quite rare now and regarded as a highly desirable collectors item. The original print can be available for $1000 or more. However, it was reprinted as Marvel’s 65th Anniversary Special in 2004 and as Marvel Masterworks: Golden Age Marvel Comics in 2008.

The book is a stunning display of golden age comic characters. Even for a quite high price, if the book is found, every comic collector must buy it as it really worth every penny spent.